The Boston Red Sox have been dealt a setback in their pitching staff with right-hander Dustin May sidelined due to right elbow neuritis. The 28-year-old, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline, landed on the 15-day injured list on September 9 and has been working his way back ever since.
May’s injury came at a difficult time for Boston, as the team was deep in the fight for a playoff spot. After showing flashes of his high-velocity arsenal, the right-hander struggled in his first few outings in a Red Sox uniform, posting a 5.40 ERA across six appearances before being shut down. His absence has left Boston leaning heavily on its younger arms to fill crucial innings.
The Red Sox are cautiously optimistic that May could rejoin the club in time for the postseason. He threw his first live batting practice session earlier this week in Fort Myers and is scheduled for another on Friday. Manager Alex Cora said the team will evaluate his readiness afterward and determine whether he could slot into the roster as a bullpen option.
Though May was acquired as a starter, the Red Sox see potential value in deploying him as a reliever should he return. Boston’s staff currently skews heavily left-handed, and a healthy May could give Cora a high-velocity righty to balance the mix. His fastball has averaged 94.8 mph this season, with the possibility of an uptick in velocity in shorter relief stints.
For May, this season has been yet another chapter in a career marked by both talent and adversity. Once one of the Dodgers’ most promising young pitchers, he has endured Tommy John surgery and other setbacks that have stalled his development. The Red Sox are hopeful that a healthy May could provide a late boost and showcase the ability that once made him a highly regarded prospect.
As the postseason approaches, all eyes will be on May’s recovery. If he can return in time, he could become an unexpected weapon for Boston in October. If not, the Red Sox will have to push forward with their youth-heavy staff as they chase a deep playoff run.
